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IAD → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is generally preferred for this route as it offers the most iconic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley shortly after takeoff, followed by a scenic path along the edge of the Appalachian range and potential views of the Gulf Coast region during the descent into Houston.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
Exquisite views of the long, linear ridges and emerald valleys of the Shenandoah National Park area within the first 20 minutes of flight.
Great Smoky Mountains
Distant but impressive vistas of the highest peaks in the Appalachian chain as the flight passes over the Tennessee-North Carolina border region.
Tennessee River
Watch for the massive, winding bends of the Tennessee River and the expansive waters of Lake Guntersville in northern Alabama.
Birmingham Metro
A clear view of the urban center of Alabama and the southern terminus of the Appalachian mountains.
Coastal Wetlands
On the final approach to Houston, view the intricate network of bayous and marshes that define the Upper Texas Coast.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. Keep your window shade open during the first 30 minutes to catch the Appalachian ridges. If the flight takes a more southerly route, you may even spot the edges of Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans.
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Appalachian Plateau
Deeply dissected plateau landscapes and river-carved canyons of West Virginia and eastern Kentucky.
Mississippi River
The flight's primary geographic landmark, featuring massive oxbow lakes, river barges, and the vast agricultural floodplains.
East Texas Piney Woods
A transition into the dense pine forests of the Ark-La-Tex region as the plane enters Texas airspace.
Lake Houston
A major reservoir and recreational hub that serves as a key landmark during the descent into IAH.
Houston Skyline
Depending on the wind and landing pattern, the right side often provides a distant but clear look at the massive downtown Houston skyscrapers.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Mississippi River. The crossing of the Mississippi is a highlight, occurring roughly two-thirds of the way through the flight; look for the distinct 'M' shape of the river's bends.
Book Hotels in HoustonDistance: 1,913 km (1,189 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 33 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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